miller r



Dec. 14, 1943. W. J MlLLER Re. 22,405

METHOD OF AND APllARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING POTTERYWARE i Original FiledMarch l, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

.Mu/AMJ M/LER y/////// Dec. 14, 1943. w. J. MILLER METHOD 0F ANDAPPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING POTTRYWARE I 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 OriginalFiled M arch l Dec. 14, 1943. w` J` M|L| ER Re. 22,405

METHOD oF AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING PoTTEmfwAm-sl Original FiledMarch l1 14929 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

M//lam J 7771//er Ressued Dec. 14, 1943 h Re. 22,405

METHOD F AND APPARATUS FOR MANU- FACTURIN G POTTERY WARE William J.Miller, 'Swissvale, Pa.

Original No. 2,243,880, dated June 3, 1941, Serial No. 69.778. March 20,1938, which is a division of Serial No. 343.693', now Patent No.2,046,525, March 1. 1929. Reissue No. 22,187, dated September 29, 1942,Serial No. 440.332, April 24, 1942. This application for reissue August3,

1943. Serial N0. 497.255

. 66 Claims. `(Cl.- 25-22) This invention relates to a method of andapparatus for producing pottery ware, and the principal object of thesame is a machine and process whereby this class of ware may bemanufactured more expeditiously and economically than withy knownmachines now in use, the apparatus possessing numerous advantageousfeatures of construction and operation inaugurated with a view towardimproving the grade of ware and at the same time facilitating volumeproductionv with a. minimum amount of manual attention.

This application is a division of my co-pending application for UnitedStates Letters Patent Serial No. 343,693, now Patent No. 2,046,525, ledMarch 1, 1929.

In practicing the method the molds in which the ware is formed andfabricated are disposed on l open bottom trays and the latter mounted inseriesv in an endless flexible, preferably continuouslydriven, conveyorwhich progresses the molds adjacent instrumentalities for applying clayto the molds and jiggering the same, the trays being temporarily haltedthereat whilst the production operation ensues, the molds beingaccessible from below the trays, chucks serving to elevate the moldsfrom the trays into operative adjacency to the instrumentalitiesmentioned and rotate the same where required. l

The-complete apparatus as disclosed in the parent application includesautomatically operated units or assemblies for producing ware ofdifferent designs, such for example as plates, cups, bowls, saucers andthe like, means being provided for jiggering or shaping certain articlesof ware which would otherwise have to be cast, .and only such of theseunits need be placed in operation as may be required in manufacturing aparticular line of ware,k as Where plates only are being manufactured.This divisional application has to do particularly with the productionof diversified shapes in succession in one or more production lines atspeeds commensurate with the production of uniform shapes in one or morelines. The application is concerned with the dominating formativeprocedure and apparatus, to wit; the jiggering phase of the productioncycle embracing the feeding, preforming or adhesively bonding the clayto the mold whilst it is being spread and given an approximation offinal ware form and the final step of profiling which includestrimreciprocable and rotatableplates the line production of diversifiedWare through the use of novel apparatus of a character such that amultiple of instrumentalities for co-operation with molds of diversecharacter may be carried thereby and may be operated in timed relationwith the presentation and mechanical manipulation of molds so that theproper charge of clay, bat and final 4piece for a particular mold may beproduced in succession. In short, the instrumentalities for co-operationwith the molds are alternated automatically and the preferred apparatusfor accomplishing this resides in the form of a turret synchronized withthe mold conveyor and mounting tools or fabricating implements ofdiversified character, all as will be here- I inafter explained. r

The objectsof the invention are to enable form diversity on a singleproduction line and high form diversity Where a multiple of lines areoperated in conjunction; to provide novel apparatus for mounting andcontrolling the alternation, presentation and withdrawal ofvariousfabricating instrumentalities and the control and regulation ofthe size, bulk or volume of the clay charge: to facilitate and expeditethe charging of molds with clay, jiggering of the clay and the removaland disposal of excess clay.

In the drawings: A

Fig. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary view in side elevation of a portion oithe conveying mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of a mold for shallow ware.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional plan view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig.4.

Fig. 4 is a view in section and side elevation of a mold actuating orJigger assembly.

Fig. 5 is a plan View of the extruding means forming part of the feederassembly.

Fig. 5A is a detail view of a part of the mold actuating assembly ofFig. 4, Fig. 6 is a detail view in section of`a detent.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the clay progressingand compacting means forming part of the assembly for feeding charges ofclay to the molds.

Fig. 8 is a view in transverse vertical section of l, the extrudingmeans forming part of the feeder assembly.

Fig. 9 is 'a View in front elevation of a tool or attachment carriage towhich the jigger tool turret and attachments are applied.

`Fig. 10 is a view infront elevation of the profile and trimmerassembly.

Fig. 11 is a detail side elevation er the assembly Fig. 121s a reducedfragmentary view ofa drive unit. v Fig. 13 is a. broken side or edgeelevation of one of the profile units oi' Fig. 10 in cci-operation witha mold and disclosingthe excess clay removing apparatus.

Fig. 14 is a section taken on the line i4l4 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary detail of an optional drive means for theapparatus of Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is an end elevation of a profile cleaner.

Fig. 17 is an end elevation of a profile mounting shown in Figi 18 andFig. 18 is a side elevation of a profile and actuating frame.

The various fabricatingunits hereindisclosed are mounted in such orderalong the fabricating line as will permit each operation to be perfumedin proper sequence in accordance with the article of ware beingproduced. 'I'hese umts, as far as the present application is concerned,are a clay feeding apparatus adapted for single or multiple lineoperation; preforming apparatus including* die formers, plungers andturret devices on which the dies, plungers, etc., are mounted andjiggering apparatus. including profiles, trimmers, ex-

.cess ,clay handling devices and turret devices for the profilestogether with a mold conveyor and actuating means therefor, means foroperating the turrets in timed relation therewith and reaacos l mannercomprises a cam 41j which -moves lever 4'ld` to the right, causing thebar 41e to turn bellcrank 41h and thus raise the rods 41a which arepivotally attached to the rails 411. The cam 41g is for the purpose ofshifting the rails longitudinally through rod 41e to advance the traysto the next position after they have been elevated, the trays beingsubsequently lowered into the next succeeding set of notches on bars 4Iafterwhich the transfer returns to initial posi-l tion. The chainsprockets (not shown) are driven in synchronism and the slack isperiodically accumulated and dissipated on opposite sides of the haltedtray or trays, the links buckling as shown at the left in Fig. 1 andpermitting abutting trays to move into close-up relation.

Hollow or fiat ware may be made on'the machine-and for purposes ofillustration, one type of flatware mold is shown at 53, Fig. 2, having abasefB and a renewable absorbent plaster body C as shown and describedin my co-pending application. The base B, Fig.. 2, is preferablyprociprocable and/or rotatable chucks for the recep-` tion andmanipulation of molds adjacent thefeeding, Preforming and'jiggeringapparatus.

'I'he molds in or on which the ware 1s fabricated are disposed on open.bottom .trays or carriers 39, Fig. l, which are swingably mounted inseries in endless flexible chain conveyors 40 byhollow projectingtrunnions 39a, Fig. 1 having rollers 39h rotatably mounted thereon,these rollers having concave peripheries which assist'in centering thetrays laterally while supported on tracks 4I. These tracks areadjustably secured to the machine frame and' support the trays moving inon one side and out on the other of the fabricating apparatus. 'I'hetrays 39 have mold supporting plates 39m mounted thereon in spacedalignment and each support is adapted to carry a mold and the molds onsucceeding supports in any one particular line. may be arranged for theproduction of ware of different size, shape or configuration.

The conveyor 40 is driven by sprocket'shaft 44 to provide forintermittently halting the trays in the zone of the fabricatingapparatus at'the feeding, preforming and jiggering stations, apredetermined amount of slack is provided in the conveyor chain asdescribed in my application,

Serial No. 343,693, and my United States Letters Patent No. 1,856,498.V

In the zone of the various fabricating machines, the trays are supportedon tracks 4I arranged on each side of the machine. The trays ride onthese tracks on their rollers 39h and adjacent each fabricating positionthe track is notched for the purpose of positioning the trays relativeto the machine chucks and the fabricating machines. The trays in thezone ofthe fabricating machines are advanced by mechanism comprising anelongated pair of rails 41 having a, plurality of equidistantly spacednotches 46a which are adapted to pick up the trays by theirtrunnions andadvance several of the trays simultaneously from one fabricatingposition to another.

Means for actuating the rails in the aforesaid vided with Ventilatingopenings 53e to accelerate the extraction of moisture, facilitate thedrying action and permit the application 'of super and/or subatmosphericpressure and analogous treating iiuids to the clay incident tofabrication.

As the trays bearing the molds progress along the main fabricating line,they are intermittently halted over reciprocable and rotatable chucks 62forming part of the mold actuating units shown rin Fig. 4, these chucksbeing located at the feed' v ing, preformlng and .jiggering stations forthe ele'- vation of the molds into o o-operation with the variousfabricating units and rotation where required. The complete assembly ismounted on a skeleton frame 63 adjustably secured on supports 63a. Theframe 63 is provided with transversely aligned spindles 64, Fig. 5A,having collars 64a. supporting a tapered thrust collar 64e, bearingrollers 64o', saddle 64d and spring 64e abutting `against cover 64j.'I'he spindle moves upwardly against the tension of spring 64e andlowers by gravity.

Spindle 64 is in spline-sliding engagement with chuck spindle 62e, Fig.4, on which chuck 62 is secured, reciprocation being imparted to chuckB2 and spindle 62e by cam 62d on cross shaft 63e.

The cam operates lever 62j, which is adjustably pivoted at oneextremity, the pivoting assembly being supported from the frame 63, andat its opposite extremity pivotally secured to a pitman (52g, the pitmanconnecting with spindle 62e by means of a cross fork 62h, which isadjustably secured to said pitman by nuts 621' at its one extremity andforked into an annular groove 16a in the spindle 62c at its oppositeextremity. The pitman 62g projects through and is guided by extensions6291 of the frame 63, the upper end of said pitman having adjustablythreaded therein `a contact screw 62k, jthe function of which will-later become apparent.

Rotation may be imparted to spindle 64 in the unit shown in Fig, 4, bymeans of co-operative friction gears 64g and 64h, Figs. 3 and 4, thegear 64g being adjustably secured on the spindle 64 and the gear 54hsplined for longitudinal sliding movement on a continuously driven crossshaft 641. ,The friction gears are brought into intermittent contact bylever and brake assembly comprising a brake shoe 64j formed with studsfor mounting the shoe for vertical movement on the frame 63, abell-crank lever 64k, connecting rod 64I, pitman 6411. and camcontacting arms 64o and 64p. Arms 64o and .64p are 'alternately ingreciprocation, friction gears 64h have a grooved collar 84h splined onshaft Sdi, Fig. 12, and a grooved cam 64M on shaft 62e, Fig. 4, motionbeing transmitted from the cam to the gear by a lever 84M, and leverhaving a pin f lower extremity the lever connects with the grooved hub64M through link Elh.

In operation, the chuck reciprocating cam 82d and brake cams beingadjusted to work in synchronism when the chuck spindle and chuckelevate, the brake 847' is released permitting spindle 84 to lower andthus lowering gear 84g into contact with the continuously rotating gear64h and imparting rotation to the chuck. When the chuck is lowered,brake j raises and engages gear 64g, raising spindle 84 and disengaginggears 84gv and 64h stopping rotation of the chuck.

The shafts 64i and 62e may be driven from the main drive shaft in themachine through, in each instance, helical gears 61a and 81, Fig. 12.Super and sub-atmospheric pressure, and other mediums may be applied tothe molds through the chuck for various fabricating operations, the

.84M working in the groove ofcam 64712. At its passages 62a' and szbextending down'into the 'I chuck spindle 82e and opening out intoannular registering grooves 62a' and B2b' formed in a hood 10 having aworking fit aroundy the spindle and adjustably vsupported on the frame63 by rod 10a, hose nipple 62a2 and B2b! being threaded into the hood1l) and communicating with the' grooves. A further communicating passageopening out in the bottom of the chuck is provided by a bore 1| in thescrew 62e', the interior of the spindle 62e being hollow, thus forming achamber lla, and the hood 'lll having a further groove 1lb both incommunication with said chamber, a hose nipple 1|c being threaded intothe hood 1|) and communicating with said=groove. Where the passages 62a,62h and 1| open out into the chuck 62, resilient sealing and cushioningpads ,are adjustablythreaded into the chuck. The

uid is controlled by cam operated valves 12,

described in the parent application.

The assembly just described is preferably operated in conjunction withthe Jigger unit and may be mounted in multiple according to the numberof fabricating lines being operated, the shafts Eli and 62e, Figs. 4 and12, being common to all of the units if desired. The present moldelevating assembly may be adapted for use at .the

feeder position but in that event, the gears 64h would be disengaged andthe chuck held against angular movement, since it does not rotate atthis station.

The'clay ofrwhich the ware is to be formed is taken from theconditioning apparatus in the usual cartridge or slug form and disposedin a hopper 18o opening into a progressing and compacting chamber 18,Fig. 7, having a driven screw 18a .working therein which progresses andcoinpacts the clay into a conduit 8| extending transassembly. The screw18a is preferably formed in sections and the required number of thesesections are assembled on the squared portion of a shaft 18c and securedfrom endwise displacement by an end cap' 18d, said shaft having bearingin a detachable head 18e formed with a hub 18e' and bracket 18)', thebearing being provided with the usual packing gland and packing toensure against leakage and wear. i

The walls of the chamber 18 are preferably uted longitudinally toprevent angular movement of the clay, and in the top Wall a returnpassage v18g is formed, the inlet 18h of which is shaped to seat a valve181' provided with a stem 18j havinga sliding flt in anexteriorly-threaded sleeve 18k against the resistance of a spring 181,said sleeve being adjustably threaded in a cover plate 18m and securedby lock nut 18u, and the" 'rotating sprocket gear 18, which is rotatablymounted on shaft 18e, and an intermittentlyrotating ratchet gear 19a,all as described in my co-pending applicatibn.

n operation, the continuously-rotating gear 'I8 carries apivotally-mounted dog 19d around the periphery of ratchet 19a, the dogbeing alternately thrown into and out of mesh with said ratchet byadjustable trip cams. Power for driving the screw 18a may be taken fromthe main drive of the machine which extends along the side of themachine, motion being transmitted from thisshaft through various crossshafts 89a, as in Fig. 5, for the fabricating units by means of helicalgears 61 and 61a similar to those used for the shaft M and cross shafts62e, Fig. l2.

Referring now to Fig. B, the clay compacting in the conduit 8| is forcedupwardly through openings Bla, formed in the top of the said conduit andinto a chamber 8|b formed in a pivot post Ble, and from the chamber 8|bthe clay passes through registering openings lb and 8|b2, respectivelyformed in the side wall of the post 8|c and the hub of a pivoted turretcasting Bld. and into one of a series of chambers 8Ib3 formed in amultiple of radial cylinders lc forming part of the turret 8|d, fromwhich the clay is extruded into. or on the molds. While the clay couldbe extruded direct from the conduit 8| onto the molds, 'the constructionhere shown is adapted for producing different kinds of ware i insuccession, as where plates, cups and saucers versely of the machineacross the lines of molds and common to amultiple of feeders. From thisconduit the clay is forced into extruding-chambers and segregated andextruded into or on the molds by reciprocating plunger assemblies.

The chamber 18'is formed with a supporting bracket adapted for posts18h' whichare secured in one of the top plates of the machine and bymeans of which the entire feeder assembly may be adjustably supportedover the mold-actuating are being formed in one line of molds. Theturret Bld, therefore, may be rotated on the pivot post 8|c insynchronism with the mold conveyor to bring each cylinder over a mold asit; is advanced in line if different types of molds are in the sameline.

The upper extremity of the turret 8|d is formed with a shoulder andtrunnion to receive a gear 8 If, which is rotatably mounted thereon, thegear being recessed to house a resiliently mounted latch or detent Big,Fig. 6, the shoulder being formed with a number of recesses inaccordance with the number of extruding cylinders 8Ib3,

here three. After the gear and detent assembly have been applied. thegear is secured from displacement by a cap 8|h. The side of the turretVim! is also bored to receive a spotting or positioning detent assemblyBli. The side of the turret Bld is also bored to receive a spotting or`positioning detent assembly lili, Fig. 8. and the side wall of thepivot post 8lc is formed with a plurality of notches, here three, sothat when the turret is rotated vto its approximae angular posiion, itis spotted by said detent.

The upper extremity of the pivot post 8lc is threaded and thereon isadjustably mounted a lever-supporting bracket or post 82, the lowerextremity of which is rounded and enlarged as at 82a and threaded overthe post 8lc and secured by lock nut 82a', said bracket 82 alsobeingcast with a branch bracket 82h. 0n the upper extremity of this bracketB2, a lever 8U is adjustably pivoted, said lever Bly' terminating to agear segment Ille, which is in continual mesh with the turret gear Blf.The lever sli is oscillated by a groove cam Bll, which is formed with agroove BIZ, and adjustably secured as on shafts y 80a, said lever beingprovided with a, pin Sli' which engages in said groove. y

As the cam lill rotates, lever 8in' is oscillated. thus oscillatingturret gear Blf, the length of the stroke being adjusted in accordancewith the angular spacing of the detent slots in the shoulder oftheturret Bld. Thus, if the turret is to be intermittently rotatedcounter-clockwise, the deent is turned so that the toe of its beveledend faces in that direction, and if clockwise, the detent is simplyturned in its socket accordingly, While il the turret is to beoscillated back and forth, the detent is turned to an intermediateposition.

As the clay is progressed into the chamber Blb3,

it is extruded therefrom in measured charges by reciprocating plungers,each of which comprises a stem 83, which is hollow or formed with a.longitudinal bore 83a, the lower extremity of the plunger beingthreadedto adjustably receive a socket 83h, in which is threaded aporous head 83o composed of material such as plaster of Paris and havinga chamber 83o' therein, the bore 83a terminating in said chamber. Thehead may be secured in adjusted position by a lock nut 83d. The'stem 83extends upwardly through the top of the cylinder 8 le, which is providedwith a packing gland 83d, said cylinder being formed with an lattermoving upwardly against the compression of a spring lief, whichencircles the stem 83 and is adjustable by a collar 83a threaded on saidstem. A contact nut 83e is also adjustably threaded on the stern 83, toadjust the lowermost point of reciprocation or travel of the plunger.

The extruding plungers are forced upwardly against the compressiontension of springsl 83! by a lever 83i, adjustably'pivote'd at oneextremity, Fig. 8, on the bracket 82h, and at its opposite extremitysaid lever has pivotally mounted thereon a hook 831, adjustable byturnbuckle 837", said hook engaging under a collar 83k, which isadjustably secured on each plunger stem 33. Lever 83i is actuated by acam 831, which is adjustablyV mounted on `the shaft 80a, Fig. 5.

Means are provided for applying a treating medium, such as fluid atsuper and sub-atmospheric pressure or electricity to the clay charges,the rounded part 82a of bracket 82 and the upper extremity of post 8lcbeing formed with registering bores or the passage 83m connecting withthe plunger bore through a hose 83o and the passage 83u leading downthrough the turret and terminating in an exuding chamber `in an upper iextension guide bracket 8le3 for said stem. the

mixtures of clay into one conduit and feeding a particular mix or gradeinto a particular advancing line or lines of molds, itis preferred tomount the progressing and compacting assembly shown at both ends of theconduit 8 l and the extruding orifices along the conduit may beseparated from one'another by slide-valves 8l m. Thus, a certaingradeormix of clay may beprogressed into each end of the conduit and maintainedseparate by the slide valves, or if'it should be desired -to feed adiiferent grade or mix o1' clay to each line of molds, a separatefeeding chute and screw could obviously be provided for each extrudingassembly.

The feeder assembly as a whole is adapted for use with `the moldactuating units described in connection with Fig. 4 and it willvbe seenthat the charges of clay may be' treated on all sides, viz: through theplunger head 83h, upper dieV or former and the mold.

The operation of the feeder should now be understood. The clay may bedeposited in the hopper 18o in the usual cylindrical roll as it is takenfrom the conditioning apparatus,'the screw 'lliabeing intermittentlyactuated to progress and compact the clay in a homogeneous mass into theconduit 8l, from which it is forced upwardly through the chamber alb. Ifthe turret is tobe-` rotated to feed different types'of molds insuccession, the detent Blg is turned in the proper direction, and as theopeningslb and 8lb2 register, the clay passes into the chamber 8lb3,from which the feeding plungers eject or extrude and segregate it inmeasured charges against the molds,` which are preferably elevated tothe upper die and form a confining chamber substantially bounded on allsides by porous material' and into which the clay is extruded, thedescending plunger completing the walls of the chamber. The feedingplungers need only be raisedl to a point sufcient to permitapproximately the correct quanr tity of clay to pass into the feedingorices, the

scending plungers move into the orifices and eject the clay in the formof a column onto the molds with sufficient force to` cause it to adherethereto, the column spreading radially over the molds and expelling theair from the gradually closing chamber,- until the molds and upperdiesmeet, at which time or shortly thereafter the charge is completelyextrudedy by the descending plunger head.

It is preferred to leave a clearance space between the plunger head 83eand side Walls of the extruding orifice or well 84d, to permit backextrusion of excess material into the chamber 8lb3.

Suction may be set up through the porous mold, plunger head and diefacing, which will not only withdraw air but increase adhesion of theclay to the mold and speed up the drying faction. The effect of suctionis supplemented by the mechanical pressure exerted on the clay by theextruding plungers.

No attempt is made herein to enumerate the many methods of treating theclay charge through the porous walls which encompass the chamber formedby the mold, die facing and plunger head and into which the charge isextruded. However, in the event that clay should tend to adhere to theupperdie and plunger head air under pressure may be applied to ensurerelease of the clay or a suitable iiuid or liquid,

applied so that the plaster head and facing will be maintained in amoist and slippery condition, and in conjunction with the foregoing,sub-atmosphere or action may be applied through the porousmold whichwill cause theclay to adhere thereto and also evacuate excess moistureand air pockets, The vents 53e' may be formed around the mold where theperipheral edge of the ware terminates so that. when suction is applied,it will assist the expansion of the charge and ensure complete coverageofthe mold. Ordinarily, the porous material will permit the treatingmedium to pass therethrough and it will not be necessary V to provideducts or vents unless it is desired to selectively apply said medium. Byestablishing a sub-atmospheric condition between the chuck and mold, thelatter will be held ilrmly on the chuck and be prevented from stickingtothe upper die if there should be any tendency in that direction. Inthe event it is desired to apply superatmospheric pressure to theunder-portion of the mold, the chuck may be magnetized as disclosed inmy co-pending application to maintain the mold and chuck in association.Y

After the molds in a line transversely of the conveyor have been filled,the'tray is advanced one division by the bar 41 to the next stationwhich may bey the jiggerlng or profiling station. The profiles aremounted on turrets suspended over each line for. alternating the varioustools in accordance with the article presented for jig' gering and theturretsare supported by an 4assembly whichcomprises a vertical guide 85,Figs.

9 and 11, and stop posts which are adjustably secured in and depend fromone of the -top plates of the frame. A frame 85a shown as of rec-`tangular shape is mounted to have a vertical sliding nt on said posts,nuts 85h being threaded on the lower extremities of said posts toadjustably limit the lowermost point .of travel of said frame. Theframe. 85a is formed with a bracket 85o, which is bored to receive apivot bolt 85d, which` is adjustably secured by nut 85d', a lever 85ebeing pivoted at one extremity in said bolt 'I'he lower portion of theframe 85a is formed with a dovetail slot or groove in which a bar 85g ismounted to have a horizontal sliding nt, the bar at the left as viewedin Fig. 9 being formed with a vertical guide bracket 85h having acentral slot or track 85m. A lever` 851 provided with a cam roller 85i'is pivotally and adjustably supported at its upper extremity from, apost 857, and at its lower extremitysaid lever is provided with a pin851'2 adapted to have a working iit in said track 85h. cams for thelever 85i are given the required contour in accordance with the workinvolved and are mounted on one of the cross shafts 80a.

The bar 85g is slotted at 85kt, a pin 85 being secured in the frame 85a.a compression spring 85k2 being mounted to abut a-t opposite ends,respectively, against said pin and the bar 85g. The bar gis alsoprovided with a screw bracket 851 in which a contact screw 85m ismounted, which serves to adjustably limit the movement of bar 85g in onedirection independently of its As in the case o! lever 85e, the.

cam travel or reverse movement. The screw bracket 85! is adapted to beattached at either end of bar 85g and the spring 85k2 at either end ofslot 85k, to conform to the positive direction of movement of the camlever 851.

It will be seen that when levers 85e and 851 are osclllated, the frame85a reciprocates vertically and the bar 85glaterally the bar derivingits vertical movement from said frame. The frame is provided with screws85u and 85o adatped to be adjusted in contact with the posts 85 and theframe 85a in the event the actuating cams are to be disconnected and theframe and bar set in rigid adjusted position.

An attachment and tool mounting turret disk 88, Fig. 10, is supportedfrom the slide bar 85g, Figs. 9 and 11,by means of a hanger bracket 85a,said bracket being formed with projecting hub portions 88a' and 86a! andis secured to the ybar 85g by screws 86a3, the disk 88 being rotatablymounted on the hub 88a' and prevented from lateral displacement by aring. A shaft 881)A extends through and has bearing in the projectinghubs of bracket 86a, this shaft functioning in a manner which will laterbecome apparent. The disk, like the feeder turret 8Id, may be rotatedintermittently in one direction or osclllated, detent such as 8Ig inFig. 6 being housed, respectively, in a gear 88o, Fig. 14, and thebracket 85a and adapted to register-in detent orlatch notches 81g andspotting notches Sli'iormed in one side of said disk 88, there beingfour ofeach of said notches in the present instance. The gear -88c ismounted to rotate rfree on the bracket hub 88a' and the teeth 86o' .ofsaid gear are in continual mesh with the teeth 88d' of a rack 86d,'thelatter being slidably dovetailed into a groove formed in the bracket86a, see Fig. 9, and terminating in a. T-head 88412, which is formedwith a track 88d3. 'I'he rack 88d is actuated by a bellcrank lever 86e,which is fulcrumed at 86e' on a bracket extension 88e2 formed on theframe 85a, the one extremity of said lever 86e being provided with a pin8$a3 which has a sliding iit in`the groove-or track 88d3, Fig. 9, whilethe opposite extremity of said lever has pivoted thereto, a connectingrod 86f which extends through a Iguide bracket 88N and terminates in aT-head 88j" formed with a groove or track 86f2, said T-head co-operatingwith a lever 88g pvotally supported at its upper extremity from a'post85h and at its lower extremity said lever is provided with a pin 88g'having a sliding t in the groove or track 8812 of T-head 86f. Lever 88gis operated by a cam (not shown) mounted on shaft a, these cams alsobeing generally shown with the respective attachments hereinafterdescribed. A retracting spring 86d! is secured at opposite extremities,respectively to the T-head 86d2 and the bar g.

A screw 861 is shown as threaded in the bracket 88a, this screw beingadjusted against the turret disk 86 when it is desired to maintain saiddisk stationary with said bracket. A screw 887' is also shown threadedin the hub 85a! of bracket 88a,

and this screw may be adjusted against the shaft tab when it is desiredto maintain the lau-.er

stationary with said bracket.

The disk 86 is provided with a plurality of holes 86k for attachingvarious fabricating tools and attachments, such as shaping tools,turning and nishing tools and transfer chucks, which is desired Iinconnection with each respective fabricating operation in -my co-pendingapplication supra. "In thepresent application proiilingvinstrumentalities are mounted thereon. The shaft 86h may be driven byeither a positive or friction drive, the friction drive' being shown inFig. for the purposes of illustration.

A 'bevel gear B1, formed with ya. hub 81' is shown as adjustably securedon the shaft lib,

dinally grooved shaft c2 in spline-sliding engagement with said sleeve,the lower extremity of shaft 81c2 being coupled for universal movementwith the stud shaft 81o' on which gear 81a is secured. The stub shaftllc of the exible coupling has adjustably secured thereon a pinion gear81d, which may be replacedV by a friction gear 81d. see Fig. 15, when anon-positive, intermittent or continuous high-speed drive .is desired.If pinion 81d is used, the drive is effected by means of a segmentalgear 81e formed on a lever 81e', which is adjustably pivotally mountedon vthe bracket 81h and provided with a cam roller 81e! adapted tocontact with a cam to be mounted on shaft 80a or sleeve 6B and which maybe given various contours in accordance'with the rotation desired forshaft 88h. 'I'he lever 81e' may be-retracted by a spring 81].

If the friction or non-positive drive is desired, the friction gear 81d'may be substituted for pinion 81d and a co-operating friction gear 81gsplined or mountedfor longitudinal sliding moveon slide rod BH2 which inturn is mounted to`A slide longitudinally in adjustable supportingbrackets 817' which extend upwardly and are secured in one of the frameplates llc.

If the rotation of shaft lllb is to be alternately reversed, the drumcam 81h may be used, this cam movement causing the friction gear- 81g tomove across 'the face of gear 81d' and when the gear 81g passes over thevertical axis-of gear 81d', the rotation 'of said gear will'be haltedand then reversed, thusfreversing the drive on said shaft 86h.

'I'he jack shaft Bf of the change-speed assembly previously described inconnection with Figs. 9 and 11 is shown asmounted and having bearing inhanger brackets IIM' which are also adjustably supported by posts BH2from one of theframe plates.

The' fabricating attachments are mounted on the turret disk 86, Fig. 10,which is rotated in accordance with the particular attachments in use.If there areA four attachments on the turret and all are being used insuccession. the lever 06g may be actuated by a cam properly contoured tomove the disk a quarter -turn each machine cycle. ,i

I'he profile and trimmer assemblies are'shown in Fig. 10 as beingmounted directly on the -turret disk 86, there being four proles 8U,80a,

sabana soc shown, so that four different kinds t of ware may be shapedin succession, or the turret disk oscillated to alternately move any twoprofiles into operative position. The profiles are adJustably secured tothe disk 8B by slotting the disk and prole at right angles to receiveattaching bolts, as at 9nd, Fig. 18. Excess material openings 840, seeFig. 10 sloped so. as to present a scooping edge counted to rotation ofthe mold, are preferably formed in the proilles, these openingsterminating in a cavity or channel Gln. v

The profile 90 is for undercut ware and is provided with a resilientlymounted brim-forming ring 90e and adapted for application of suborsuper-atmospheric. pressure or other fluid through the claycontactingface thereof to assist atively stationary. the hose nipple9092 being secured in the ring '80h and the latter formed with anannular groove or chamber in registration with the supply duct-90g'. Thering 90h is secured by threaded pins 80M to a bracket Si,

- springs B07' being vinserted oversaid latter pins to provide aresilient mounting for the assembly. The bracket Olli is slotted at 80kfor the securing pins or bolts for the prole `so-that the profile andring assembly have a relative lateral floating association. It will benoted that the profile 90 does not require al trimmer in view of thering 90e with its brim-contacting insert. l

.When the profile is removed from the interior of the undercut ware, itis first moved toward the left and then elevated,l Whilel at the sametime the mold may be lowered. f

Segment lever 81e is actuated by cam Ble3 for the purpose of Vrotatingshaft 86h, which in the case of the prole asse'mbly hasadjustablysecuredthereon a trimmer-depressing cam 9i, see Figs. 10 and 11, whichdepresses a trimmer Bla against the compression of a spring 9Ib,.said

trimmer being slidably mounted in brackets Sic.'

which maybe formed on the profile. and has adl-v Justably threaded inthe top thereof a contact screw. Qld whichl contacts with camt 9|.

To insure accurate positioning of the profile relatively to the moldsand uniform thickness of the ware, a. contact screwl 62k' may be adjust?ably mountedmin a bracket 62h22 secured to the turret disk 86, saidscrew being adjusted to contact with screw 62k threaded into the top ofthe pitman 62g Figs. 4 and 10. When' the mold and profile reach theirapproximate operative positions. the screws 62k and 62k contact and theprole moves a short distance in unison with the mold.

I1' it is desired to produce irregular-shaped ware such as ovals and thelike, the -mold may be vertically and the screw 92h laterally, and'as Ithe sudebar ssa to which the turret-disk sa 1s se; 1

provided with a ring cam 92, contoured in accordance with the ware to beproduced, the profile being guided by any suitable 'cam-contact meanssuch as screws 92a and S'Zbywhich are adjustably mounted in a bracket92c secured to the disk 88, vthe screw 82a guiding the profile cured hasa resilient yielding action in one direction and the frame' 85a yieldsvertically against gravitational weight. .the cam 9.2 may serve to1guide the profile in shaping irregular-w producing irregular-shaped wareby the use of suitably-contoured cams for levers 05e and 851'. Asuitable fluid such as water may be auto matically applied to the claycharge during profiling through the passages 13e and 13j, in Fig. 14 anda tube connected thereto terminating in a valved nozzle 90', Fig. 10.The fluid may be controlled by one of the valves 12, Fig. 4.

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate a simplified form of profile assembly whichit may be desired to use when the ware inV one line is of the sameshape. In this instance the assembly may be adjustably supported fromone of the top plates by posts 90m. The profile 90a is adjustablysecured on a slide bracket 90m which in turn is mounted for verticalsliding movement in a guide and supporting bracket 50m2, the latterbeing supported by said posts 90m. The bracket 90m moves verticallyagainst the tension of a spring 90m3 secured at opposite extremities,respectively, to said bracket 90m and bracket 901112. The slide bracket90m' has adjustably secured on top thereof a stop member or washer 90m4,which contacts with the guide bracket 90m2 when the profile is in itslowermost position. The trimmer 91a is adjustably secured lon abracket901115,

which may be cast integral with, or secured to the bracket 901112.

In operation, the screw 62k' may be adjusted relatively. to screw 62k,so that when the 4mold elevates, these screws will contact when theproille has smoothed the ware to a predetermined thickness, whereuponthe mold and profile move in unison to a point where the trimmeroperates,

. after which the molds with the formed ware is lowered onto its tray39. The horizontal operating position of the Aprofile may be definitelylimited by screw 85m .and its angular position definitely spotted by adetent.

A bracket 92C carrying screws 92a and 92h may obviously be applied tothe turret disk 86 for each f pro-file assembly, and the use of thisfeature is .not confined to the' production of irregularly vtion in aconduit member 93, Fig. 13, formed with a segmental flange 93a tofacilitate registration with a conveying conduit 93h. Theconduit member93h may be supportedy from the frame and is positioned so that theflared inlet will yield slightly and register with the flanged terminal93a of the conduit 93 whenv the turret is given a partial turn to bringone of the profiles into operative position. A screw conveyor 93Cmounted in scrapes the excess material into the chamber 931' when discB6. Fig. 10, rotates.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Ina pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality offabricating tools mounted plane, fabricating mechanism mounted adjacentthe line of travel of said trays and including a clay-feeding machineprovided with a chambered turret member, a plurality of upper diesmounted on said turret member, lmeans for progressing clay underpressure to said dies through said member, and means for intermittentlyrotatingi the turret to bring said dies into feeding position relativeto the molds carried by said trays.

3. In apparatus of the class specified, a tool carriage, comprising ananguiarly movable member adapted to support the tool, vertically andhorizontally movable frame components on which said member is mounted,and a system of camactuated levers for imparting angular movement tosaid member andvertical and horizontal movement to said framecomponents. V

4. In apparatus of the class specified, means having a plurality ofprofiles mounted thereon,

each of said profiles being' formed-'with an ex- 'mittent angularmovement to the first named means to move the profiles into operativeposition, means including a relatively stationary conduit mountedadjacent the first named means, the receiving end oi' said latterconduit being adapted to register with a terminal end of saidfirst-named conduit when the respective profiles move into operativeposition, and a means for removing excess material from saidl conduits.

5. In apparatus of the class specified, a tool carriage, comprising aturret, vertically and horizontally movable frame components on whichsaid turret is mounted, a system of cam-actuated levers for impartingangular movement to said turret and vertical and horizontal movement tosaid frame components, and means for adjusting the throw of said leverswhile acting to move said turret and frame components.

6. In apparatus of the class specified, the combination with a pluralityof molds and means conduit 93h impels the excess material therethroughto a point of disposal. Suction could be substituted in conduit 93D forthe screw 93C with the same result.

Fig. 1G illustrates 'a profile cleaner or scraper 931 having a funnelshaped chamber 931 with a screw conveyor 9312 therein. This assembly maybe mounted o-n the machine so that the prole for advancing said molds inseries in a substantially rectilinear plane. of a turret member having amultiple of profiles mounted thereon, means for imparting-intermittentangular movement to the turret in synchronism with the advancing molds,and means for moving the turret member.. a plurality of proiiles mountedthereon, each of said profiles being formed with a clay receiving zonein communication 4with the working edge of the profile and terminatingin a conduit member, means for imparting intermittent angular movementto the turret. to move the profiles into operative position, and arelatively stationary conduit mounted adjacent the turret,

the receiving end of said latter conduit being.

nating means in timed relation with the conv eyor and the reciprocablemold support.

10. In apparatus for manufacturing potteryware, a feeder unit for#feeding different sizes and volume clay charges to different capacitymolds presented in succession thereto in a single line in combinationwith a multiple profile unit for profiling different Ware shapes insuccession 'on the previously charged molds presented in succession inthe said line.

11. In combination, a conveyor transporting different-size and shapes ofmolds, a plurality of molds located on said conveyor, a clay feederhaving a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged to charge said moldswith clay in successive order, a plurality of dies arranged to bealternately co-operated with corresponding molds and a plurality ofprofiles arranged to be alternately cooperated with corresponding molds.

12. Ina pottery fabricating machine, a 'plurality of fabricating toolsarranged on a common mounting. a plurality of pottery molds and meansfor o o-operating pottery molds with said fabrieating tools, means foraltering the mounting to bring different fabricating tools intoco-operation with the molds to form different pieces of ware in saidmolds, means for transporting molds to and from the zone of fabricationsaid fabricating tools comprising forming members movable axial- I 1y ofthe molds for depositing mold charges in the molds and shaping the sametherein.

13. In apparatus for the manufacture of pottery Ware, charge feeding andbatting out mechanism which comprises a support, a plurality of chargeforming mechanisms associated with said support, a batting out dieassociated With each charge forming mechanism and means for alternatingsaid charge feeding and batting out mechanisms at the feeding andbatting `'out position to thereby diversify the production.

14.' In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, a clay feeding andforming mechanism which comprises a plurality of. charge forming devicesarranged on a common support, an open center batting out die associatedwith each charge forming device and means for alternating the chargeforming devices and dies at the feeding position. l

15. In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, mechanism forbatting out clay on molds comprising a support having a plurality ofbatting out heads having diversely contoured working surfaces thereonand means for alter- 8. In apparatus of the class specied, a turretvnating said heads at the batting out position to thereby'diversify theproduction.

`16 In a machine for making potteryware, the combination of a battingout mechanism comprlsinga plurality of batting out heads for making warepieces of different kinds together with means for alternating the headsat the batting position and a Jiggering mechanism comprising a pluralityof proling instrumentalities and means for alternating saidinstrumentalities at the profiling position; said batting out andprofilingmechanisms being arranged adjacent a common line of moldsforca-operation with the molds arranged in said line.

17. In a pottery machine, the combination of means for successivelydepositing mold charges inand shaping mold charges on molds including atleast one axially movable forming member and a. proling mechanismincluding a plurality of profiles for making dissimilar pieces of ware,means for'4 altering the profiling mechanism to alter the profiles atthe profiling position to form different pieces of ware and means commonto al1 of said profiles for supplying fluid to the work together with amold carrier having continuous motion except in the forming andprofiling positions. a series of molds mounted on the carriers andarranged by the movement of the carrier to be. brought,Y in turn intothe aforesaid stations.

18. In apparatus for manufacturing diversified potteryware, a dryer, amoldV conveyor, a fabricating machine mounted in conjunction with aconveyor having a multiple of preforming heads. eachhaving a surfacecontour corresponding to that of a particular mold', means'foralternating the heads at the preforming position as molds for di'erentkinds of ware are presented thereto, a jiggering machine including amultiple of profiles each having an edge surface corresponding to thatof a, particular ware shape to be'produced. and means for alternatingsaid profiles so "as to bring the corresponding profile into profilingposi- :ion as the corresponding mold is presented there- 19. Inapparatus for manufacturing diversified potteryware, a mold conveyor, amold charging means, preforming means comprising a plurality of shapingheads mounted on a common support, means for alternating said heads atthe preforming position, a, jigger comprising a plurality of profilesmounted on a common'support, means for alternating said profiles at theprofiling position and means for synchronizing the operation of saidalternating means and said conveyor.

20. In a pottery fabricating machine, mold' rality of fabricatinginstrumentalities, means for rotating said mounting to alternate thefabricating instrumentalities at the fabricating position to therebydiversity the production and means for reversing the rotation of saidmounting.

22. In a clay feeder, a plurality of means for feeding clay charges,means for alternating the charge feeding means at the feeding position,

and means common to all said charge feeding means for supplying saidcharge feeding means with clay, said means including a hollow -conduitadapted to be filled with clay and discharged into said feeding means. i

23. In a mechanism for supplying plastic clay to molds, a plurality ofmold charging means each having a clay receiving chamber and a deliveryoutlet, and means including a force applying device and a hollow conduitcommon to all said mold charging means for supplying the clay receivingchamber oi' said mold charging means with clay.

24. In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, a feeder forprogressing different grades and mixtures of clay comprising a conduithaving a plurality ofcharge forming devlces'associated therewith forpreparing and feeding charges to a plurality of lines of molds, clayprogressing and compactlng means connected at both ends of the conduitand slide valves arranged along the conduit.

25. In apparatus for manufacturing potteryware', the combination of acarrier having a series oi' molds mounted thereon, a conduit for plasticmaterial, charge feeding mechanisms. branches leading from said conduitto said feeding mechanism, means for forcing clay under pressure intosaid conduit and means for interrupting the supply oi' clay to any oneof said charge feeding mechanisms without interrupting the supply ofclay to any other of said charge lfeeding mechanisms.

26. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, a carrier for moldshaving a series of molds thereon, a plurality of charge feedingmechanisms arranged adjacent the line of travel of said conveyor andadapted to prepare and deposit a plurality of moldsmeans for supplyingsaid charge feeding mechanisms with clay comprising a conduit havin-gbranches associated duit. directing the clay into several outlets eachmolds being arranged in of which is directly over a line of molds andforcing the clay into the molds by the movement of an implement axiallythereof.

3l. In combination, a mold carrier, molds disposed thereon, a pluralityof mold charging means -each having a clay receiving chamber and adelivery outlet, a hollow conduit common to all of said mold chargingmeans for supplying clay to the clay receiving chambers thereof andmeans for progressing clay into said conduit. f

32. In combination with a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, aplurality of mold charging means having a clay receiving chamber and adelivery outlet, segregating means, hollow conduit means for supplyingsaid chambers with clay, means for supplying clay to said conduit andmeans for regulating the discharge of clay from said outlets.

33. In combination, a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, moldcharging means having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet,means for supplying clay' to said clay Areceiving chamber comprising ahollow. member for enclosing the clay with substantialexclusion of airthrough which the clay is progressed into said clay receiving chamber,and means for filling said member with clay.

34. In apparatus for the manufacture of pottery ware, means forsupplying clay to molds with said charge feeding mechanisms, means forforcing clay under pressure into the conduit from at least one end, saidcharge feeding mechav nisms and said carrier being synchronouslyoperated.

27. In a clay supplying mechanism for use with pottery making machinery,a clay compacting and extruding mechanism, drive means thereforselectively regulable to predetermine the rate and amount of extrusion,a conduit connected to said extrusion mechanism and into which the clayis forced under pressure, branches in said conduit leading to moldcharging mechanisms associated with the pottery machine and individualvalves controlling the passage of clay into said branches whereby anyone or all of said branches may be selectively closed or opened.

28. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality ofmold chargingmeans each having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, meansforming a conduit for progressing clay into s'aid clay receivingchambers and an axially movable implement associatedwith eachlmoldcharging means for discharging clay through said outlet, means forfilling said conduit with clay, each of said mold charging means beingin the charge produced.

29. In combination, a charge .feeding mechanism having means forproducing charges for making a succession of different ware shapesvarying in the amount of clay contained in each, and mold conveyingmeans for successively presenting diverse molds at the 'feedingposition, said charge feedingvmechanismv operating reindividuallyregulable to vary the volume oi clay l including a plurality of moldcharging means each having a clay receiving chamber and a deliveryoutlet, an elongated conduit located adjacent thereto and communicatingwith the aforesaid clay receiving chambers, clay extrusion ing thevolume of clay contained in thebcharges which comprises progressing clayfrom a source of extrusion in one or more-columns into a hollow conduitand diverting the clay at spaced points along the conduit into separatestreams and segregating each streamof clay into mold charges.

37. The method of supplying clay tomolds in the manufacture of'jiggeredpottery ware which comprises, extruding clay directly into a hollowconduit and then progressing the clay along said conduit withsubstantial avoidance of exposure to atmosphere,l diverting the clayinto one or more discharge outlets and then progressing the clay'therethrough and segregating charges therefrom, depositing the chargeson molds and by cooperation with a non-adhesive matrix spreading theclay over the surface of the molds to thereby form a jiggering blank andadl'iesively bond the clay to the molds.

38. In apparatus for supplying plastic clay to 'chamber and a deliveryhaving a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, means includingaforce vapplying device and a hollow' conduit common to all of said moldcharging means for supplying the clay receiving chamber of said moldcharging means with clay and means yior interrupting the mold chargingfunction of any one of said mold charging meansf 39. In combination witha mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, a plurality of moldcharging means each having a clay receiving outlet, segregating means,conduit means for supplying said chambers with clay, means for supplyingclay to said conduit, means for regulating the discharge of clay fromsaid outlets and means for interrupting the mold charging function ofany one of said mold charging other.

40. In apparatus for feeding clay to a succession of pottery molds,chambered means having delivery outlets through which plastic clay isde-l livered in consecutive charges to said molds, hollow conduit meansfor conducting clay to said chambers, force applying means operativelyconnected to said hollow conduit means for progressing clay into saidchambers and outlets, the feed to the succession oi molds beingalternated between delivery outlets.

41. `In apparatus i'orY feeding clay to arsuccession oi' pottery moldsarranged in one or more f lines, chambered means having sets of deliveryoutlets through which plastic clay is delivered to ternated between setsoi' outlets. 4,2. In apparatus for feeding clay to molds,

a plurality of clay receiving chambers with downwardly opening deliveryoutlets, the feed through the aforesaid outlets being alternated.' one`outlet being inoperative. whilst the other is working,v means forsupplying plastic clay to said chambers including hollow conduit meansadapted to be filled with clay and discharged thereinto, means fortransporting a succession of molds into feeding position relative tosaidoutlets and means for segregating clay charges.

` 43. In vthe feeding of plastic clay to a succession of pottery molds,the method which consists in, progressing clay from a source of supplyinto a hollow conduit, bringing into registry the hcllow conduit and achamber having a downwardly opening delivery outlet and applyingpressure to the clay in said conduit to discharge the same into vsaidchamber and delivery orifice and by the movement of a segregatingmember, severing charges of clay therefrom in consecutive order.

44. In combination with apparatus for advancing a line of pottery moldsalong a generally hori` zontal path wherein clay is formed on the moldsinto articles of pottery, a plurality of clay discharge nozzles throughwhich .clay may be fed,

back to inlets removed therefrom, and means for supplying clay undercontrolled pressure to molds,` a plurality of mold charging means eachmolds into articles oi' pottery, a plurality of clay discharge nozzlesthrough which clay may be fed,

`clay passages for the several nozzles extending -means, individually ofthe back to inlets removed therefrom, and means for supplying clay undercontrolled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, each nozzlebeing above the general path of travel of the molds and adaptedselectively to feed clay charges of a size or -weight predetermined forthe particular nozzle to successive molds in said path.

46. In combination with apparatus for advancing a line of pottery moldsalong a general hori-A zontal path wherein clay is formed on the moldsinto articles of pottery, a plurality of clay dis-k charge nozzlesthrough which clay may be fed, clay passages for-the several nozzlesextending back to inlets removed therefrom, `means for supplying clayun'der controlled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, eachnozzle being above the general path of travel of the molds and adaptedselectively to feed clay charges to suc-- cessive molds moving in saidpath, and means operative in timed relation tothe movement of a moldinto charge-receiving position beneath the selected nozzle for effectingseverance of charges fed thereby. l

'47. In combination with apparatus for advancing a` line of potterymolds alonga generally horizontal path wherein clay is formed on themolds into articles of pottery, a plurality Vof clay discharge nozzlesthrough which clay may be fed, clay passages for the several nozzlesextending back to inlets removed therefrom, means for supplying clayunder controlled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, eachnozzle being above the particular path 0f travel 0f the molds andadapted selectively to feed clay charges to successive molds moving insaid path and means clay passages for the several nozzles extending foreach nozzle for controlling thev size or weight of successive chargesfed therefrom.

48. An apparatus for feeding clay charges to a single line of potteryware moldswhich com prises, in combination, a plurality of feeders eachhaving a discharge oritlce superimposed relative to said line of molds,-means operable to substitute the feed through one discharge orificefurthe feed through another discharge orifice to the line of molds,means for segregating clay charges associated with said dischargeoutlets and mechanism by means of which the volume contained in thecharges of clay may be varied.

49. An apparatus for feeding clay charges including a plurality offeeders arranged ony a common support, means for alternating the feedersat the working position and means for varying the size and volume of thecharges.

50. In combination, anA apparatus for feeding clay charges to moldsincluding a plurality of feeders arranged on a common support, means foralternating .the feeders at a mold charging position, means for varyingthepsize and volume of the charges and a conveyor for transporting moldsin succession to the charging position.

51. In combination with means for supporting and transporting a singleline or jlgger molds to a, clay feeding zone, clay feeding apparatus forcharging ligger molds in the line with clay including a plurality ofclay feeders each having clay extruding Amechanism and means forautomatically substituting one feeder and mechanism for another in thefeeding of clay to the single line of molds.

52. In apparatus for'feeding clay to a single line of jigger molds, aplurality of clay feeders each having clay, extruding mechanism, meansfor varying the amount of clay extruded thereby to regulate the amountof clay fed to the .lisser molds, means for supporting and transportinga single line of jigger molds to the feeding zone and means forautomatically substituting one feeder and mechanism for another in thefeeding oi' clay to the single line of molds.

53. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery continuous motion except inthe forming position, a series of molds mounted on the carrier andarranged by the movement of the latter to be brought in turn into theforming position,

means for holding the mold stationary in the formingposition during theforming operation, and means moving axially of the molds forsuccessively depositing mold charges in and shaping mold charges in the.molds while in the forming position.

55. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination ofmeans for presenting molds in a forming position, and means com'-prising sockets arranged to receive and support the molds during theforming operation.

56. Apparatus for fabricating pottery ware, comprising a plurality-ofmold-carrying trays, means for advancing said trays, molds carried bysaid trays, fabricating mechanism mounted adjacent the line of travel ofsaid trays and including a clay-feeding machine and a plurality of diesadapted for various types of molds, and means for intermittentlyaltering the position of the said dies relatively to theadvancing molds.

'7. In apparatus of the class specified, the

combination with a plurality of molds and means for advancing said moldsin a substantially rec'- tilinear plane, of a multiple of profiles eachadapted for a particular shaped article of ware,

support means on which said profiles are mounted, and means forimparting intermittent angular movement to said support means insynchronism with the advancing molds.

58.In a pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality offabricating tools mounted lon said member, lreciprocable and rotatablechucks, a plurality of open-bottom trays connected in series by anendless exible conveyor,

means ,for advancing said trays in a substanume required by eachpresented thereto in succession, means for spreading the clay on saidmolds, and means for profiling different ware shapes in succession.

60. In a pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality offabricating tools mounted thereon. said tools being of diverse characterin order to produce a diversified production, reciprocable and rotatablechucks, a plurality of open bottom mold carrying trays connected inseries by an endless flexible conveyor, means for advancing the saidtrays in a substantially rectilinear plane to a position adjacent saidturret and said chucks, means for imparting intermittent angular motionto said turret member and means for elevating said chucks to removemolds from said trays and means for rotating said chucksto rotate thesaid molds incident to cooperation with the fabricating tools.

61. In a pottery fabricating machine, a con-` veyor for molds, moldcharging mechanism, ware fabricating mechanism said last named mechanismcomprising a support on which a plurality of fabricating means aremounted said fabricating means having diversely contoured `fabricatingsurfaces and means for selectivelyv presenting various fabricating meansat the fabricating position to thereby diversify the production.

62. In combination, a conveyor transporting diierent sizes and shapes ofmolds, a plurality ofmolds located on said conveyor, a clay feederarranged to charge said molds with clay in successive order, a pluralityof dies arranged to be alternately co-operated with corresponding moldsand a plurality of profiles arranged to be alternately co-operated withcorresponding molds, there being means for trimming the brim of the wareincident to profiling together with means for collecting and disposingof the trimmings. A

63. A clay feeder which includes means having a plurality vof feedingorifices, means for alternating the orifices at the feeding position anda regulable source `of clay supply common to all of said orices incldinga hollow conduit adapted to be filled .with plastic clay and forceapplying means for'discharging the clay therefrom. 64. The method .offeeding clay to moldswhich comprises, progressing clay from oppositedirectionsinto the ends of a conduit and diverting the clay into theproduction lines before the opposed advancing columns meet in theconduit.

65. In the automatic mass production manufacture of.dinnerware, themethod which consists in advancing a line of diverse molds. for makingdierent ware shapes through a feeding station and successively feedingcharges of clay thereto and automatically varying the amount of claycharged into each mold.

66. In combination, a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, moldcharging means having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet,means for supplying clay thereto in the form of a holow conduit, meansfor extruding clay into said conduit and means for regulating the rateof extrusion. f

j WILLIAM J. hmm

